The mission to defend the title was a success: FC Diamant Linz were crowned Austrian champions in the 1st ÖFB Futsal League for the fourth time. In a thrilling second final game, the Diamond Kickers beat local rivals FC Ljuti Krajisnici 2-1. Matej Vidovic scored twice for the guests, who had already won the first duel of the final series (4:2).
Also read: Lower house kick-off: Futsal stronghold Upper Austria
Both teams fought an open exchange of blows in front of 1,500 fans at the Kleinmünchen sports school – with the better end for FC Diamant. “It was a typical Linz derby, heated but above all exciting – it went back and forth. I’m proud of my boys that they managed to defend their title – Linz is blue and white,” said Diamant sports director Sanid Salai, who also found words of praise for today’s final loser: “Futsal is booming in Upper Austria, that’s also due to the competition. There may be more clubs in Vienna, but we in Upper Austria fill the halls and play the most beautiful futsal football.” Despite the sporting rivalry, both clubs maintain a close friendship. “We also regularly attend their home games.”
After the final whistle, the champion footballers went to the clubhouse in Kleinmünchen, where the champion champagne corks popped. “Tomorrow we’ll all go back to work and start planning for the coming season,” said Salai in an OÖN interview.
Application to FIFA
Austria’s newly crowned triumphant has big goals: As champions, the Linzers can compete in the Champions League qualification in August – and want to qualify for the main round for the second time in the club’s history. The club is also in good spirits that the preliminary round will even take place in the steel city this year. Salai: “We will submit an application to FIFA to allow us to hold the preliminary round in Linz. We are confident that it will work.”
Which team should be clarified in the coming weeks: In addition to strong legionnaires, the local kickers, most of whom are also active in the Upper Austrian lower house, should be given a chance. Even kickers from yesterday’s final opponent might switch to their local rivals. Salai said: “The majority will remain; we will put together a powerful team.”
Author
Raphael Watzinger
Sports editor
Raphael Watzinger
